Hello gentle reader,
It is time for another weekly check-in! I hope you had a great and productive week. Mine was… crazy.
Quote of the Week
“I think I’ll try defying gravity.”
Wicked, The Musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman
Trying to get traditionally published sometimes feels like trying to defy gravity. This week I received one too many rejections and was tempted to throw my flying broom in the fire. But then I didn’t, partly thanks to the support of Jessica Montgomery, Rhiann Wynn-Nolet, Kate Michael, Rachel O’Laughlin, Juliana Haygert and Rachel Horwitz. These ladies are awesome and I’m so grateful I have them…
Picture of the Week
Hotel Russell, Russell Square, London
I went to London this week, and I stayed at a beautiful Victorian hotel. That was quite fitting, since I’m working on a novel set in Victorian London…
Word Count of the Week
This week I had some time off work and I added 9000 words to my Work In Progress, which means it is now at 18,000 words. I’m very pleased with that.
TV Show of the Week
Downton Abbey (ITV)
Slowly but surely, I am catching up on the latest seasons of this awesome show…
Film of the Week
Warm Bodies
I went to see it last Friday and I loved it! Such a fun, adorable and thought-provoking movie.
Good News of the Week
This week, Rachel O’Laughlin decided to self-publish her Epic Fantasy and wrote an excellent post about it.
ROW80 Check-In
My goal for this round is to write every day. This week again I managed to write
4 days out of 7.
Links of the Week
On my blog I posted about movies that taught me something about writing, and I added pictures of handsome actors. It was Valentine’s Day after all this week.
On There And Draft Again this week, Mara shared some World Building Resources and I gave advice on how to write a 200-word pitch for a Fantasy novel.
On her blog, Emily Wenstrom interviewed the awesome YA writer Aimee L. Salter about her creative process. Worth a read!
Literary agent Carly Watters posted about When to revise your manuscript and when to keep submitting It was exactly the post I needed to read this week.
And YA author Maggie Stiefvater revealed the cover of the sequel to The Raven Boys here.
Next week
Next week on my blog I shall take part in the Thursday Children meme for the first time. It’s “a weekly blog hop where writers come together to talk about whatever inspires them.” I’m very excited about it…
How was your week? Make sure to share your writing progress and what inspired you this week in the comment section below!
EM Castellan 
Looking forward to your post this coming week 🙂 Also, great links, and I loved your “movies” nuggets of writing wisdom.
Thanks! I’m exciting about it 🙂
I’m glad you have such good friends and that they’re there when you need them. Rejection is one of those necessary evils and each time you keep going you prove you’re in it to win it. Good for you. It sounds like you had a fantastic week. 9k <–wow.
Thanks for stopping by SJ! Hope you had a good writing week 🙂
Aw, you’re such a sweet soul, Eve! Glad you made it through this week. I’m always over here cheering for you!
Aww… Thanks! 🙂 *all the hugs*
Sorry about your traditional publishing woes. My inspiration and word of the year last year was DETERMINATION. Here: I gift you some! I’ve had a couple of “pull myself by my bootstraps” moments this week, too. Somehow, whenever I’m about to give up, something good happens to make it all worthwhile. That is what kept me going while my son was sick this week.
Sorry to hear about your son… But yes, you’re right, something good is always quick to happen, so I keep hope! Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
Aww, Eve!! We <333 you! I like the quote, "Good things happen to those who persevere." I don't know who said it, but good things will definitely happen to you 🙂 And congrats on your 9,000 words. Woot!!
Thank you, and yes to perseverance 🙂 Couldn’t do it without you guys!
9000 words! Amazing! And I just know you are going to make 20k today hanging out with me and Lauren on twitter 🙂 That hotel looks amazing! Have a wonderful week and looking forward to celebrating your miilestone later tonight!
I live for those Twitter sprints lol. Thanks for your continued support 🙂
Wow what a week – congrats on pushing through with the secret MS! But I’m sorry to hear it was hard going with the querying. The right agent will be out there – I understand this is the one time chocolate has no calories and to push into your writing support.
I used to work in Russell Square – so your picture brought back good memories too. Have a great week.
It’s a small world, isn’t it? I loved this hotel, and Russell Square. Thanks for your kind words, and have a great week too!
I feel you on the traditional publishing woes. Got a nice little addition to my rejection pile as well. Now stealing the motivation and pep talks everyone is giving to you 😀
But well done on the 9,000 words and doubling the draft. A lot happens in 9,000 words. Hope you are enjoying knowing that much more about your characters and plot.
I am! I am a plotter, so I know where things are going, but what I really enjoy is developping my characters and bringing them to life. Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
18,000 words! A pat on the back I think 😉
Keep going honey xx
Thanks! I will 🙂